The increase could price some people out of their homes, since mortgages in high-risk areas require flood insurance.

But that may change if flood insurance is made available from private carriers. Congress temporarily delayed some of the cost increases. But Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg says his bill – creating an alternative to the National Flood Insurance Program -- provides a long-term solution.

“Congress acted several weeks ago to establish a glide path for the National Flood Insurance Program. But in a few years these dramatically high rates will be back upon us,” Brandes told the Senate last week. “The federal fix does not solve the problem, Mr. President, it only kicks the can down the road.”

Brandes’ bill passed the full Senate Wednesday. It gives the state its own free market flood insurance program, and Brandes thinks a competitive market may mean lower premiums than those offered by the federal government.